Rig Veda

RIG VEDA – BOOK TEN
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HYMN CXIV. Visvedevas.
1. Two perfect springs of heat pervade the Threefold, and
come for their delight is Matarisvan.
Craving the milk of heaven the Gods are present: well do they
know the praisesong and the Saman.
2 The priests beard far away, as they are ordered, serve the
three Nirrtis, for well they know them.
Sages have traced the cause that first produced them, dwelling
in distant and mysterious chambers.
3 The Youthful One, well-shaped, with four locks braided,
brightened with oil, puts on the ordinances.
Two Birds of mighty power are seated near her, there where
the Deities receive their portion.
4 One of these Birds hath passed into the sea of air: thence he
looks round and views this universal world.
With simple heart I have beheld him from anear: his Mother
kisses him and he returns her kiss.
5 Him with fair wings though only One in nature, wise singers
shape, with songs, in many figures.
While they at sacrifices fix the metres, they measure out
twelve chalices of Soma.
6 While they arrange the four and six-and-thirty, and duly
order, up to twelve, the measures,
Having disposed the sacrifice thoughtful sages send the Car
forward with the Rc and Saman.
7 The Chariot's majesties are fourteen others: seven sages lead
it onward with their Voices.
Who will declare to us the ford Apnana, the path whereby they
drink first draughts of Soma?
8 The fifteen lauds are in a thousand places that is as vast as
heaven and earth in measure.
A thousand spots contain the mighty thousand. Vak spreadeth
forth as far as Prayer extendeth.
9 What sage hath learned the metres' application? Who hath
gained Vak, the spirit's aim and object?
Which ministering priest is called eighth Hero? Who then hath
tracked the two Bay Steeds of Indra?
10 Yoked to his chariot-pole there stood the Coursers: they
only travel round earth's farthest limits.
These, when their driver in his home is settled, receive the
allotted meed of their exertion.
HYMN CXV. Agni.
1. VERILY wondrous is the tender Youngling's growth who
never draweth nigh to drink his Mothers' milk.
As soon as she who hath no udder bore him, he, faring on his
great errand, suddenly grew strong.
2 Then Agni was his name, most active to bestow, gathering
up the trees with his consuming tooth;
Skilled in fair sacrifice, armed with destroying tongue,
impetuous as a bull that snorteth in the mead.
3 Praise him, yourGod who, bird-like, rests upon a tree,
scattering drops of juice and pouring forth his flood,
Speaking aloud with flame as with his lips a priest, and
broadening his paths like one of high command.
4 Thou Everlasting, whom, far-striding fain to burn, the winds,
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uninterrupted, never overcome,
They have approached, as warriors eager for the fight, heroic
Trita, guiding him to gain his wish.
5 This Agni is the best of Kanvas, Kanvas' Friend, Conqueror
of the foe whether afar or near.
May Agni guard the singers, guard the princes well: may Agni
grant to us our princes' gracious help.
6 Do thou, Supitrya, swiftly following, make thyself the lord of
Jatavedas, mightiest of all,
Who surely gives a boon even in thirsty land most powerful,
prepared to aid us in the wilds.
7 Thus noble Agni with princes and mortal men is lauded,
excellent for conquering strength with chiefs,
Men who are well-disposed as friends and true to Law, even as
the heavens in majesty surpass mankind.
8 O Son of Strength, Victorious, with this title Upastuta's most
potent voice reveres thee.
Blest with brave sons by thee we will extol thee, and lengthen
out the days of our existence.
9 Thus, Agni, have the sons of Vrstihavya, the Rsis, the
Upastutas invoked thee.
Protect them, guard the singers and the princes. With Vasat!
have they come, with hands uplifted, with their uplifted hands
and cries of Glory!
HYMN CXV1. Indra.
1. DRINK Soma juice for mighty power and vigour, drink,
Strongest One, that thou mayst smite down Vrtra.
Drink thou, invoked, for strength, and riches: drink thou thy
fill of meath and pour it down, O Indra.
2 Drink of the foodful juice stirred into motion, drink what
thou choosest of the flowing Soma.
Giver of weal, be joyful in thy spirit, and turn thee hitherward
to bless and prosper.
3 Let heavenly Soma gladden thee, O Indra, let that effused
among mankind delight thee.
Rejoice in that whereby thou gavest freedom, and that whereby
thou conquerest thy foemen.
4 Let Indra come, impetuous, doubly mighty, to the poured
juice, the Bull, with two Bay Coursers.
With juices pressed in milk, with meath presented, glut
evermore thy bolt, O Foe-destroyer.
5 Dash down, outffaming their sharp flaming weapons, the
strong-holds of the men urged on by demons.
I give thee, Mighty One, great strength and conquest: go, meet
thy foes and rend them in the battle.
6 Extend afar the votary's fame and glory, as the firm archer's
strength drives off the foeman.
Ranged on our side, grown strong in might that conquers,
never defeated, still increase thy body.
7 To thee have we presented this oblation: accept it, Sovran
Ruler, free from anger.
Juice, Maghavan, for thee is pressed and ripened: eat, Indra,
drink of that which stirs to meet thee.
8 Eat, Indra, these oblations which approach thee: be pleased
with food made ready and with Soma.
With entertainment we receive thee friendly: effectual be the